For nearly a decade, Microsoft has used engineers in China to maintain sensitive Department of Defense computer systems, a practice that relies on a high-risk workaround apparently unknown to top Pentagon officials. These escorts often lack the technical expertise to detect malicious code, leaving vital national security data vulnerable. The process often involves escorts on a Microsoft Teams call simply copying and pasting commands from Chinese engineers into federal networks. But as Silicon Valley deepens its ties with the national security apparatus, it fuels significant internal friction. The Microsoft “digital escort” program is a disturbing example of the potential dangers when cost-saving workarounds are applied to mission-critical systems.